The BFFF have received important information from DEFRA following the detection of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany, and its subsequent loss of FMD free status. This outbreak means that EHCs for export of relevant products of animal origin from FMD susceptible animals in Germany to GB can no longer be certified.
We will keep members updated as the situation develops, but in the meantime please ensure you read the below thoroughly, including the FAQ’s.
Please note the impact/actions regarding goods currently being held at the GB border and those recently arrived.
Also note that Defra have indicated that goods will be held at port unless processed to an ‘appropriate level’ that they no longer pose a risk of foot and mouth. Therefore, when pre-notifying please upload to IPAFFS evidence of the appropriate treatment / processing as if there is a query as to the origin/treatment/processing, the goods may be held pending clarity. Appropriate risk mitigating treatments are explained further below.
Dear traders,
Following confirmation on 10th January 2025 by the German Chief Veterinary Officer of a detection of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in a herd of farmed water buffalo, Germany has now lost its FMD free status.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. It causes very significant economic losses, due to production losses in the affected animals and due to the loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and milk for affected countries. FMD does not infect humans and does not pose a food safety risk.
Defra are in contact with German counterparts and are working closely with the Devolved Governments to prevent an incursion from imported goods.
What is the impact on the import of live animals and meat products from Germany into Great Britain?
Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) has suspended the import of the following commodities to Great Britain from Germany, following an outbreak of FMD that was confirmed on 10 January 2025:
- live (including non-domestic) ungulates (ruminants and porcine animals, including wild game) and their germplasm
- fresh meat from ungulates
- animal by-products, unless treated to effectively mitigate the risk of FMD
These restrictions are set out in the relevant lists on GOV UK.
Further safeguard measures restricting the commercial import of animal by-products and hay and straw from Germany, unless treated to effectively mitigate the risk of FMD, will be published in due course.
What actions do businesses need to take?
Businesses are asked to suspend imports of impacted products (see below) from Germany whilst the German authorities investigate the outbreak.
Where goods are currently being held at the GB border due to the FMD outbreak in Germany, Port Health Authorities and Local Authorities can support businesses to return goods to Germany, with agreement of the veterinary authorities in the EU, using standard processes. Please contact the PHA at the port of entry where your goods are being held for information.
Where these products have recently arrived in GB and the EHC was signed in good faith before the presence of FMD in Germany was confirmed, we urge businesses not to put this product into the GB supply chain.
Investigations in Germany relating to the emergence of disease and possible distribution is not complete. Much of it will be safe but the GB authorities will aim to trace and remove those products that which originated close to the outbreak, in a timeframe where FMD infection or contamination is possible.
We will share further information as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is meat or products from pigs or any other FMD susceptible species sourced outside of Germany but slaughtered in Germany under this restriction?
Regardless of the origin of the pigs, the export would be from Germany and as such would require an Export Health Certificate (EHC) signed by an Official Vet (OV) in Germany. As a consequence of Germany losing FMD freedom this certificate could no longer be signed.
Are pork cuts or those from other FMD susceptible species sourced from outside of Germany that are butchered in Germany and then exported to UK still allowed certification and import into UK?
No, the export would be from Germany and as such would require an EHC signed by an OV in Germany. As a consequence of Germany losing FMD freedom this certificate could no longer be signed.
Is meat or products from pigs, or any other FMD susceptible species, that is exported from Germany but where the animal is slaughtered outside of Germany under this restriction?
This will depend on the ability of the certifying OV to be able to complete and sign the export health certificate. The fresh meat described on the certificate has to meet the FMD requirements in relation to the territory of origin. Therefore, if the pork meat is sourced from outside of Germany and the other parts of the certificate can be met then the product can be imported into GB.
Can products that have been restricted and held at the border be returned to Germany?
Yes, goods that have been held at the border as a consequence of the outbreak of FMD in Germany can be returned to Germany on a voluntary basis subject to agreement by the veterinary authorities in the EU.
What are the rules around transits of EU/ROW commodities through Germany to GB?
If the import conditions set out in the EHC allow it then it will be possible for the goods to transit Germany and be imported into GB. However, any EU required transit certification must also allow such a movement.
What are the rules for transit of goods containing products of susceptible animal origin from Germany through GB to the EU?
As the GB transit certification requires goods to meet GB import certification requirements it will not be possible for products from susceptible species that cannot be imported directly to GB to transit GB territory.
Commodities deemed low risk under the BTOM do not require a certificate, are these goods exempt from the current restrictions?
BTOM low risk products are still required to be treated in accordance with the requirements set out on the relevant certificate and UK regulations. For example, rendered fat for human consumption is categorised under the BTOM as low risk but still needs to comply with the treatment processes set out in UK legislation. Therefore, fully compliant, BTOM low risk goods will be allowed to continue to enter GB.
Contact points
Imports of animal products: for urgent questions about imports of animal products, including germinal products, contact the Port Health Authority or Local Authority at the Border Control Post (BCP) for the goods’ point of entry. Find the BCP and the PHA/LA contact information on this map or list.
Imports of live animals: for urgent questions about imports of live animals, contact APHA.
+ 44 (0) 1400 283090
+ 44 (0) 1400 283090
